The Berkshire Edge On-Air - Wednesday March 17, 2021

The Berkshire Edge LLC is a locally owned, regional publication. Our goal is to provide – regularly and in depth – content that truly reflects the life, interests and aspirations of this unusually rich and vibrant community.

Guided by respected journalistic standards, the principle of fairness, the quest for truth, a commitment to social, economic and environmental justice, and an abiding admiration for the independent spirit of the Berkshires, The Berkshire Edge offers in-depth local news reports and features, perspectives on the arts, wide-ranging commentary, and a comprehensive calendar of events – all written, illustrated, and, in some cases performed, with wit, intelligence, insight and humor.

1. Once again, a committee examining the merger of the two South Berkshire school districts — the Monument Mountain Region district in Great Barrington and the Southern Berkshire district along the Connecticut border —has received a significant boost with a $125,000 grant from the state. 
https://theberkshireedge.com/armed-with-125000-grant-south-county-school-merger-group-moves-swiftly/

2. There is a possibility, despite the COVID19 pandemic, that some semblance of a 2021 Tanglewood season may occur this summer — fingers crossed:
https://theberkshireedge.com/time-to-get-our-hopes-up-for-a-2021-tanglewood-season/

3. On the theatre front, we have two stories about Berkshire theaters adapting to the pandemic: Barrington Stage is producing its 10th annual 10×10 Festival (10 10 minute plays), recording the plays for remote viewing:https://theberkshireedge.com/review-barrington-stage-companys-10×10-new-play-festival/
Meanwhile, WAM Theatre in Pittsfield is planning a season devoted to exploring the roots of our cultural faults —navigating racial issues, beginning with “Letters to Kamala.” The plays are available to stream. 
https://theberkshireedge.com/wam-theatre-moves-forward-with-its-season-and-its-mission/

4. Believe it or not, the so -called “Flying Church” complex on Main Street in Great Barrington is thriving, suggesting signs of life for commercial activity, despite the pandemic:
https://theberkshireedge.com/flying-church-nearly-at-full-capacity-as-business-climate-improves-downtown/
5.  Here’s a story to make us feel as if there’s hope in the world… a group of local students has organized “Bags of Hope,” donations for those who are staying in St. Joseph’s winter shelter in Pittsfield:
https://theberkshireedge.com/bags-of-hope-shows-care-for-those-who-are-currently-house-less/

6. And lastly, Sheela Clary has been doing a series of articles on the so-called cultural economy and whether it is fair to its employees… She looks at the workers’ situations at Mass MoCA, for example:
https://theberkshireedge.com/installment-2-will-pay-equity-help-change-berkshire-culture/